Schools Have a Spectrum Of Responses to Alert System

By Michelle R. Davis

Washington

A five-color system to alert the country to terrorist threats may change the way some schools deal with security measures. But for others, it is just a rainbow.

Last month, Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the new advisory system, which uses a spectrum that includes green for low-risk days and red for the most serious threats. While the new system won't officially take effect until the end of July, Mr. Ridge has said the country is in a code-yellow state— elevated alert, the middle category—until further notice.

Many school administrators say they're struggling with how to incorporate the new color- coded system into security plans they've been formulating or updating since the terrorist attacks last September. Some say the federal guidance will just help reinforce the need...